10th Annual Teaching for Social Justice Curriculum Fair!

November 17, 2010

(En Español)We are very excited that this November 20, 2010 will be the 10th Annual Teaching for Social Justice Curriculum Fair, co-sponsored by Rethinking Schools. This year's theme is "Another Education is Possible, Another World is Necessary!"

In "science fair" format, and completely grassroots volunteer-organized, the Curriculum Fair will provide over 600 educators, activists, parents, youth & community members with a space to share curricula, resources, and inspiration. We'll be making friends & building relationships, exploring ideas & projects, connecting our histories & struggles. All in a spirit of social justice and education for liberation.

CURRICULUM FAIR: (all day) K-12 Teachers will be on hand at the Curriculum Fair with poster-board visuals to discuss their favorite curriculum. Check out the Full List of 2010 Curriculum Exhibitor Topics.

RESOURCE TABLES: (all day) Local & national organizations will have tables to share relevant resources & books. Check out the full list of 2010 Resource Tables.

WORKSHOPS: (2 Sessions, beginning at noon) Community leaders will be facilitating dialogue through a number of workshops on vital educational & justice-related issues. Check out descriptions for the 14 2010 Workshops.

Also at the Curriculum Fair...

LUNCH: Lunch is provided for all, to sustain us as we move through our day. Donations from local restaurants and chefs will provide us with various options, including vegetarian & vegan.

EXHIBIT & INTERACTIVE ARTS. Movement artists will be on hand to inspire & amaze through social justice-themed paintings & banners, and will be inviting you to create with them.

HEALING SPACE: TSJ is collaborating with Sage Community Health Collective to provide a Healing Space for fair goers. There will be session signups for massage and acupuncture, as well as an ongoing quiet place where all you hardworking teachers can get away from the day's stress & relax.

TRANSLATION: For the first time, we've committed to expanding language access at the fair to spanish speakers. The opening program will be translated simultaneously and workshops will include translators upon request.

TSJ GEAR: One of our favorite things to do in prep for the fair is to get teachers together and create our own art. This year we've got some hot new t-shirt, totebag & button designs- come by the TSJ table to pick up yours!

After the FairAFTER-EVENT! "Liberation Lounge on Marshall". The unnofficial after-party, where TSJ members invite you to a night of arts, dancing & drinks. Details on Facebook. Featuring:

Update: Our Setup/Cleanup committee has committed to recycling paper & plastic this year and TSJ is striving to have a plastic-water bottle free event. Please bring a bottle of your own.

Update: We have also committed to having gender-neutral bathrooms, which will be clearly marked at the fair.

Update:Please support La Casita Community Library - Bring a
Spanish-language children's book (3rd - 7th grade level most needed) to donate! Drop them by the La Casita Young Librarian's table where Whittier students will update you on their struggle for a library and community space.

We hope you'll help us shape this space to be accessible for people with disabilities, accommodating to those with language & dietary needs, and safe for all people to be their full selves.

A note on registration: we missed emails from Online Registrants before Nov. 2. If you registered online before then, we most likely have your info and can send you the program if you drop us your email. Either way, there is plenty of space and we'll look forward to seeing you on Saturday.
There is no registration cost, though we request a $5-10 donation (includes lunch) if you can give. This is an all-volunteer event and all volunteering, monetary donation & in-kind support is appreciated so we can cover costs. The Childcare Space & Healing Space will accept tips as well. Thanks!

Why a Curriculum Fair?

Following on the US Social Forum in Detroit in June, the national upswing in education organizing, the victory in Milwaukee against Mayoral takeover of their public schools, and the recent tremendous victory by CORE for Chicago Teachers Union leadership, we recognize the need more than ever to build the momentum of the Education for Liberation movement.

For 10 formative years of the Curriculum Fair, we have come together based on our commitment to education for social justice. Along with educators countrywide, we are working toward classrooms and schools that are anti-racist, multicultural / multilingual, and grounded in the experiences of our students. We believe Another Education is Possible and understand that we must take on discussions of school policy in order to create more just and humane schools, but we're also connected to a national & international network of educator activists and recognize together more and more that Another World is Necessary.